heave-ho
/ˌhiːvˈhoʊ/
interjection
Origin
English
heave — to lift, throw, or rise
Overview
Meaning Now
- A rhythmic shout used to coordinate the efforts of a group of people performing a strenuous task together.
- A dismissal or act of forcefully expelling someone.
Literal older meaning
The combined sound of 'heaving' (lifting/pulling) and the call 'ho' (an exclamation to signal timing).
Language path
Middle English → English
Earliest form
heave-ho
Earliest period
18th century
Journey
The phrase originated as a 'work song' or 'sea shanty' element. Sailors or laborers would grunt or shout 'heave' when applying force to a heavy object (like a rope or anchor) and 'ho' at the moment of completion or secondary momentum, ensuring the group acted in synchronicity.
Evolution
- Middle English
heven
“to lift up”
The basis for the physical action.
- 18th century
heave-ho
“nautical command”
Coined as a rhythmic vocalization for manual labor.
- 19th century
give the heave-ho
“to dismiss someone”
Figurative extension from manual ejection.
Connections
Word parts
heave
root
to lift with effort
ho
other
an exclamation used to gain attention or mark rhythm
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Related to heave-ho
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.